Molecular Aging Program

I am a Molecular biologist with a special interest for mitochondria and their role in a variety of general diseases, formation of cancer and in the ageing of an organism.

Mitochondrial dysfunctions can result in a range of rare metabolic diseases called mitochondrial cytopathies. Persons suffering mitochondrial cytopathies cannot produce the energy required for one or more organs or their entire body. Symptoms include muscular dystrophy, hearing and seeing impairment, and neurologic degeneration and more.

Function of mitochondria is also important for a range of much more common diseases, and has been correlated with certain types of diabetes, arteriosclerosis, heart disease, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, initiation of cancer and premature ageing.

In my work I try to provide a better understanding of the mitochondrial function and the interrelation between the mitochondria to the rest of the cell. By understanding the mitochondrial mechanisms responsible for causing disease, it will allow development of biomarkers and allow new avenues of treatment